Synergistic effect of fermented rice extracts on the probiotic and laxative properties of yoghurt in rats with loperamide-induced constipation.

Jae-Suk Choi,Joo Wan Kim,Sae-Kwang Ku,Jong-Kwang Lee,Jae Hak Sohn,Ki-Young Kim

doi:10.1155/2014/878503

Abstract

Aim. The objective was to evaluate the synergistic effects of fermented rice extracts (FRe) on the laxative and probiotic properties of yoghurt in rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Methods. After constipation induction, yoghurt containing FRe (BFRe; 0.05%, 0.1%, or 1%) was administered orally once per day for 6 days. Results. Loperamide treatment caused marked decreases in fecal pellet numbers and water content discharged, as well as in the surface mucosal thickness of the colonic lumen, intestinal charcoal transit ratio, thickness, and number of mucous-producing goblet cells in the colonic mucosa, whereas it increased the remnant fecal pellet number and the mean diameter of the colonic lumen. However, this loperamide-induced constipation was ameliorated by treatment with FRe, yoghurt single formula, or 0.05%, 0.1%, or 1% BFRe (10 mL/kg). Additionally, the viable numbers of Lactobacillus in the cecal contents and feces were markedly higher than those in constipated rats. Moreover, greater probiotic and laxative effects were detected in BFRe-treated rats than in rats treated with equivalent doses of yoghurt or FRe single formula. Conclusion. The results suggest that addition of FRe to liquid yoghurt will enhance the probiotic and beneficial laxative effects of yoghurt in the digestive tract, without causing side effects.

Highlights

Constipation is a symptom-based disorder defined as “unsatisfactory defecation, characterized by infrequent stools, difficult stool passage, or both
More favorable effects on fecal parameters were detected with all three concentrations of BFRe, compared with the equivalent doses of liquid yoghurt or fermented rice extracts (FRe) single formula
The enhanced laxative effects of yoghurt after the addition of FRe provided further direct evidence, as more favorable changes in fecal parameters, especially water content, occurred after the 0.05, 0.1, and 1% BFRe treatments compared with equivalent doses of liquid yoghurt or FRe single formula

Summary

Introduction

Constipation is a symptom-based disorder defined as “unsatisfactory defecation, characterized by infrequent stools, difficult stool passage, or both. Difficult stool passage includes straining, a sense of difficulty passing stool, incomplete evacuation, hard/lumpy stools, prolonged time to stool, or need for manual maneuvers to pass stool” [1]. In the United States, constipation is one of the top five outpatient gastrointestinal diagnoses [4], costing approximately $7,500 (US dollars) for diagnosis and treatment provision [5]. Used pharmacological agents for the treatment of constipation include bulk-forming laxatives (ispaghula husk, methylcellulose, and bran), stimulant laxatives (senna, bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, and glycerin suppositories), osmotic laxatives (lactulose, magnesium sulphate, and phosphate enema), fecal softeners (docusate sodium, liquid paraffin, and arachis oil), and prokinetic agents (prucalopride and tegaserod) [1, 6]. Many researchers have sought to develop new therapeutic agents for constipation with reduced side effects and improved laxative effects

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Discussion

Conclusion